DEARBORN, Mich., Feb. 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The newest vehicle from The Lincoln Motor Company – the Lincoln MKC – will share the spotlight with some of today's most impactful and inspiring talents as part of ESSENCE magazine's 7th annual Black Women in Hollywood luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The all-new Lincoln MKC, the brand's first small premium utility vehicle, was revealed late last year in New York City. It will be on sale later this year.

Lincoln will partner with well-known TV host and social media personality Bevy Smith on the pre-event Lincoln Blogger Bar. Lincoln MKC will be in the Lincoln Blogger Bar during the event while the 2014 Lincoln MKZ will provide transportation for event honorees and VIPs.

To celebrate Lincoln's fifth year of involvement, Lincoln held the "Shine Like A Star" contest on ESSENCE.com for its readers. The winner received a VIP trip to attend the event as an exclusive guest of Lincoln, a red carpet makeover and dinner at an LA hotspot.

Black Women in Hollywood recognizes the outstanding achievements of trailblazing women in film and television. The event will honor three of the year's most impactful and inspiring talents with the Black Women in Hollywood Award: 2014 Academy Award nominee Lupita Nyong'o (Best Breakthrough Performance); Cheryl Boone Isaacs (Trailblazer Award) and Ava DuVernay (Visionary Award, presented by Lincoln).

In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the event also will pay tribute to legendary performers who were champions of the Civil Rights movement, including: Diahann Carroll, Nichelle Nichols, Jim Brown, Denise Nicholas and Clarence Williams III.

"This year's Black Women in Hollywood program especially resonates with Lincoln because it celebrates today's exciting and talented performers while also recognizing important contributions that laid the groundwork for wonderful work we all can enjoy," said Shawn Thompson, Lincoln manager, multicultural marketing.

"Today's Lincoln brand celebrates a heritage nearly a century in the making while creating premium vehicles and experiences for a new luxury customer."

To be a part of the conversation during the event, please follow #lincolnjourney.

About The Lincoln Motor CompanyThe Lincoln Motor Company is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. The Lincoln Motor Company is in the process of introducing four all-new vehicles through 2016. For more information about The Lincoln Motor Company, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/lincoln.